Marco Bezzecchi
Nicolo Bulega has earned huge praise from Ducati MotoGP chief Luigi Dall’Igna following his latest clean sweep in World Superbikes in Czechia.
With main rival Toprak Razgatlioglu now in MotoGP, Bulega has dominated WSBK in his absence. So far in 2026, the Ducati rider has won every race, leading the championship by 95 points over Iker Lecuona.
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Such dominance has been catching the attention of the MotoGP paddock. Bulega is keen to get onto the grid in 2027 in time for the regulation changes.
As the MotoGP rider market continues to shift, a vacancy could now be open with Ducati, as Fabio Di Giannantonio is leaving VR46. Bulega has been linked, and amidst the rumours, Dall’Igna was waxing lyrical about the Italian after he won all three races in Czechia.
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Luigi Dall’Igna calls Nicolo Bulega a ‘machine’ amid VR46 links
In a behind-the-scenes video on the Ducati YouTube channel, Dall’Igna is seen watching WSBK during the stoppage at the Catalan Grand Prix.
As Bulega crosses the line to win the second race, he says: “Nicolo is a machine. Well done, Nicolo, well done!”
A Ducati engineer then remarks: “We already have the favourite for the Race of Champions at WDW,” to which Dall’Igna replies: “Probably.”
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The comments come as the 26-year-old re-enters the frame for a MotoGP seat. Initially, things looked bleak for him, as Gresini showed no interest in signing Bulega and Di Giannantonio looked likely to stay at VR46 alongside Fermin Aldeguer.
However, with Diggia now joining KTM, a spot has opened up again. Valentino Rossi wants to sign an Italian, and Bulega is among the four riders he mentioned in Barcelona that are under consideration for the seat.
According to the seven-time MotoGP champion, Bulega is fighting Franco Morbidelli, Luca Marini and Celestino Vietti for the seat. With his form in WSBK, it will be hard to ignore his talent for the premier class in 2027.
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